Both events were well attended by government officials, including Mayor Frank Bracato, City of Hoover; Mayor Ashley C. Curry, City of Vestavia, and Alabama State Senator, Jabo Waggoner, along with Georgia State Representatives Dr. Jasmine Clark, Angelika Kausche, Pedro “Pete” Marin, Brenda Lopez Romero, and Bonnie Rich.
"It's incredible that we take the time to recognize first responders. When there's a danger, usually citizens are running away from it, and first responders are running into it, so we have to applaud their sacrifice and commitment,” said Georgia State Representative Pete Marin, who attended the event at the Duluth Jamatkhana.
At the Civic Appreciation Tea in Hoover, Alabama, State Senator Jabo Waggoner cherished the opportunity to honor the local police and fire departments. He extended his comments about service to the Ismaili community and said, “The Ismaili Muslims, guided by their living spiritual guide, His Highness the Aga Khan, globally seek to improve the quality of life of all people through the work of the Aga Khan Development Network. It is to celebrate this idea of selfless service that we are gathered at the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Birmingham, Alabama."
Dr. Behnoosh Momin, the Communications Coordinator for the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States, addressed the audience at the gatherings and spoke of the common ethic of service and sacrifice in the Abrahamic faiths. She reflected on the historical basis of Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the momentous sacrifice made by Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim).
President of the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States, Salima Jaffer, recognized the hope, safety, and security that law enforcement and public safety officials provide to the greater community. She referred to these officers as “volunteers in the true spirit of sacrifice.” President Jaffer saluted their “spirit, dedication, and generosity” and thanked the first responders as well as their families.
President Jaffer quoted an excerpt from a speech made by Mawlana Hazar Imam at the inaugural session of the Enabling Environment Conference in Nairobi, Kenya on October 21st, 1986:
“We have all seen examples of God’s most wonderful creature, the person, whether in a government bureau, a business, or a private development agency, which is inspired to give generously of himself, to go beyond the mechanical requirements of a task. Such men and women, paid or unpaid, express the spirit of the volunteer.”
Accepting the award on behalf of the Police Department of Johns Creek, Georgia, Captain Roland Castro said, "I appreciate being recognized, that's awesome." The Captain said that the event helped him learn about the Ismaili community in his jurisdiction, as well as the Ismaili Jamatkhana.
This was also the first visit to an Ismaili Jamatkhana for Judge Carla Brown of the Gwinnett State Court. She toured the Duluth Jamatkhana, and was inspired by some of the education, mediation, and outreach programs that are hosted there. Judge Brown left the event with a better understanding of the Ismaili Muslim community, as well as an appreciation for the spirituality and serenity that she experienced at the Jamatkhana.
